Possible Causes Of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are almost always fatal or have serious injuries. Due to the fact that the motorcycle is out in the open offering no protection to the rider, it is usually destructive when a collision occurs. In Arizona, motorcycle accident attorneys are helping motorcyclists’ family members when they have lost a loved one to file a claim. A wrongful death claim is one way to get justice when a loved one passed in an accident.

More Motorcycles On The Road Than Ever Before

While the gas prices have risen, so have the population choosing to ride a motorcycle rather than take a car. It is easier to find parking, costs way less in fuel, and is a fun way to get around town. However, over the past decade, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report shows that accidents involving a motorcycle are up too.

Statistics Show The Problem’s Magnitude

In 2010, the number of motorcycle accidents increased from 3,197 to 4,502. In 2008, fatalities hit an all-time high when there were 5,312 deaths due to a motorcycle accident. In 2001, they reported that there were about 60,000 injuries, but in 2010, that number rose to 82,000. The highest year for motorcycle accident injuries was 2007. They reported a whopping 103,000 injuries. According to today’s numbers, there are about 444 fatalities for every 100,000 registered motorcycles.

Possible Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many people are quick to blame the one riding the motorcycle for causing the accident. In many cases, it can be true. Bikers think they can move in and out of traffic quicker and sometimes they take shortcuts on berms to avoid lights and such. If a motorcycle hits a passenger vehicle, in many cases there are fatalities.

Another common problem with motorcycles is that making left turns can be especially dangerous. The small size of these bikes makes them prone to accidents. They have decreased visibility and they are more vulnerable during a cross-traffic turn. Another problem is lane splitting. This is where the motorcyclist thinks that they can drive between two lanes of traffic; essentially making their own lane. The bike does not have sufficient room to move and other drivers are not anticipating a bike beside them at such close ranges. Should the motorcycle or car need to stop suddenly, it can cause a horrible accident.

There are numerous other factors that can also contribute to a motorcycle accident. As with many other car wrecks, alcohol consumption can be a factor, as well as speeding, inexperienced drivers, not following traffic laws and hazards on the roadways. Road hazards can include debris, potholes, slick pavement and uneven lanes.

Losing a Loved One to a Motorcycle Accident

The pain of losing a loved one due to an accident is unbearable. To help get through this difficult time, consider a support group or other local groups that can help with the healing process. Though you will never get over the loss, time will lessen the pain a bit. Many utilize their services and find reaching out to others helpful.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

When you are ready, you need to talk to an attorney about the loss of your loved one. Even if you are not sure if you have a claim, an attorney can answer any questions you might have. If the death was due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a case. Your Phoenix wrongful death attorney can help you with filing your claim. You need to show the courts how the loss of your loved one has caused both financial and emotional distress.

You may wonder about the amount of compensation you are entitled too. First, there are many factors that come into play when considering a compensation package. The court will consider:

*Your Loved One’s Age
*How Many Dependents Are Affected
*Who is Involved in the Claim
*The Degree of Negligence Involved
*The Loss of Income For Years To Come
*The Overall Earning Potential

Though you must take the time to work through your grief, you need to be advised that there is a statute of limitations on this type of claim. A statute of limitations is a time limit put on filing a claim case that dictates how long you have to do so. For personal injury cases in Phoenix, you have two years from the date of the injury. Wrongful death also falls under the two-year category in Arizona.

Contacting car accident attorneys right away is wise. A person that handles Arizona wrongful death cases involved motorcycles can help. It is imperative that you abide by the state laws and don’t do anything that could hurt you case. With only a short window of opportunity, you need to file sooner rather than later.